Detection of Sarcopenia in Community-Dwelling Older Adults Using the SARC-F Questionnaire: Findings From the Southampton Longitudinal Study of Ageing (SaLSA)

Aims

Sarcopenia is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The SARC-F self-rated questionnaire is a simple tool that can be rapidly implemented by clinicians to identify individuals with probable sarcopenia who may require further in-depth assessment. A score ≥ 4 is predictive of sarcopenia and poorer outcomes. We sought to identify the prevalence and demographic correlates of probable sarcopenia in a newly formed cohort of community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis of 480 participants (219 men and 261 women) identified from primary care in whom a questionnaire ascertaining demographic, lifestyle factors, comorbidities, nutrition risk and SARC-F score was completed between 2021 and 2022. Participant characteristics in relation to probable sarcopenia were examined using sex-stratified logistic regression. Age was included as a covariate.

Results

The median (lower quartile, upper quartile) age was 79.8 (76.9, 83.5) years. 12.8% (28) of men and 23% (60) of women had probable sarcopenia. Older age was associated with probable sarcopenia in both sexes (odds ratio [95% CI]: men 1.10 [1.02, 1.19], p = 0.01; women 1.08 [1.02, 1.14], p = 0.01) as was higher malnutrition risk score (men: 1.30 [1.12, 1.51], p = 0.001; women: 1.32 [1.17, 1.50], p < 0.001 per unit increase). Among men, being married or in a civil partnership or cohabiting was protective against probable sarcopenia (0.39 [0.17, 0.89], p = 0.03) as was reporting drinking any alcohol (0.34 [0.13, 0.92], p = 0.03), whereas in women generally similar relationships were seen though these were weaker. Higher BMI (1.14 (1.07, 1.22), p < 0.001 per unit increase) and more comorbidities (1.61 [1.34, 1.94], p < 0.001 per extra medical condition) were also associated with probable sarcopenia in women.

Conclusions

Probable sarcopenia (SARC-F score ≥ 4) was common in older adults living in their own homes. In addition to advancing age and malnutrition, socio-demographic factors were also important. Patients with a higher SARC-F and who are living with associated risk factors should be prioritised for further in-depth assessment for sarcopenia to allow the planning and implementation of interventions to mitigate potential adverse consequences.